There is a mysterious joy I felt when I made that last run, with the turns going so well, at last. Oddly, it carried over into my walking and even my driving…everything involving motion and forward movement… Hugely gratifying.
workshops in Schladming, Austria
led by Erik Bendix, Jana Boronova and Christoph Bacher
EASE ON SKIS is a dramatically new and effective ski teaching method. It trains you to find dynamic stability, effortlessness and grace on your way down ski slopes. Skiers at all levels of skill can benefit. In 2024, four workshops will be offered: one for beginning skiers, one for skiers who are no longer beginners, one short workshop on carving technique, and one to train future Ease on Skis teachers. Workshop content and maximum participant numbers are listed here. Fees, discounts and registration deadlines can be found below and under ‘Click to Register’. The same registration form can be used for all workshops.
EASE ON SKIS BEGINNERS WORKSHOP January 6th – 13th, 2024: For the first time, we are offering a workshop for beginning skiers only. In just one week, you can expect to learn to maneuver on skis, get up from a fall, come to a controlled stop and begin the journey of controlling gradual turns on skis. The process seems slow, but the learning is quick. Safety and security come first, as does making friends and shedding anxiety. We expect we’ll have great fun together. Maximum 8 participants.
EASE ON SKIS “USE YOUR HEAD” WORKSHOP February 24th – March 1st, 2024: This workshop is for skiers who are no longer beginners. Each workshop day begins with ski lessons and ends with group and private Alexander Technique lessons, local Austrian cuisine dining, and saunas for those who want them. You can expect ample personal attention, 5 full days of skiing, wonderful people to share this adventure with, and time to absorb your learning and enjoy the mountains. Maximum 12 participants.
EASE ON SKIS CARVING WORKSHOP: March 1st – March 3rd, 2024: For two days we will learn the secrets of carving technique from the most sure-footed carver we know, our own Christoph Bacher. Recommended for all teacher trainees and anyone wanting more control at higher speeds or on steeper slopes. Maximum 12 participants.
Ease on Skis TEACHER TRAINING March 3rd – March 9th, 2024: This workshop explores the pedagogy behind Ease on Skis workshops. What is the role of the head in skiing? Why do we work both indoors and outdoors? How can both you and your students keep improving in skill? How can your hands-on guidance benefit their coordination? For a fuller list of training guidelines and requirements, see the Teacher Training page of the EOS website. Maximum 6 participants.
LOCATION: Schladming, Austria (www.schladming-dachstein.at/en)
In central Austria with direct rail links to Salzburg and Vienna, Schladming hosts an annual Alpine Ski World Cup race known as the ‘Night Race’. It has 4 linked ski mountains with 123 kilometers of ski slopes at altitudes of up to 2015 meters (6,611 feet), with expansive views of the Dachstein peaks. Nestled against a dramatic gorge, the town dates back to 1180 and has many excellent restaurants.
COST: The 7-day Beginners’ workshop costs 1000 Euros/person (900 for early registration). The 6-day ‘Use Your Head’ workshop costs 1650 Euros/person (1400 for early registration). The 2-day Carving workshop costs 450 Euros/person (375 for early registration). The 6-day Teacher Training workshop is again free this year. To separately book your discounted EOS room contact the Biohotel Bergkristall at hotel-bergkristall.com (sharing a room reduces cost). The hotel provides generous daily breakfasts and discounted ski passes. Equipment rentals and other meals are not included, but we do expect to be eating in house this year rather than going out. The hotel recommends taking out travel insurance in case you need to cancel for health reasons (please ask them).
REGISTRATION: Register online at www.easeonskis.com before September 15th, 2023 for the best Beginners workshop price. For best price on the Use Your Head workshop, register by November 10th. For best price on the Carving workshop, register by November 17th. Teacher trainees, please book your room by November 24th.
STAFF: Erik Bendix developed Ease On Skis over the last 25 years as he applied Alexander Technique to his skiing (easeonskis.com). His book and film on his method are forthcoming. Jana Boronova (www.fundamentalalexandermoves.com) is certified as a snowboard instructor, and as a teacher of Alexander Technique, Smart Yoga and Shaw Method. Christoph Bacher (www.christoph-bacher.com) is a certified Austrian ski instructor, an Alexander Technique teacher and a natural fitness instructor based in Berlin, Germany. He grew up in Schladming. Erik and Jana lead the beginners and teacher training workshops. All three instructors lead the ‘Use Your Head’ workshop. Christoph leads the Carving workshop.
REQUIREMENTS: Participants need health insurance valid in Austria, and must comply with current local Covid-19 restrictions (www.austria.info/en/service-and-facts/coronavirus-information).